Immunocytochemical localization of peptides and other neurochemicals in the rat laterodorsal tegmental nucleus and adjacent area

The laterodorsal tegmental nucleus (ntdl) contains a cluster of cells located just medial to the locus coeruleus in the pontine brainstem. The ntdl has been shown to project both rostrally to the forebrain and diencephalon and caudally to the spinal cord. In an effort to characterize this region neurochemically, the present study was conducted to identify a variety of neurochemicals localized within perikarya and fibers of the ntdl and surrounding nuclei. Rats were perfused with formalin, and brain sections were processed for fluorescence immunocytochemistry and acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Of the neurochemicals screened, atrial natriuretic factor (ANF), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), cholecystokinin (CCK), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), dynorphin B (Dyn B), galanin, somatostatin, substance P, neurotensin (NT), neuropeptide Y (NPY), vasopressin, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), serotonin (5HT), glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) were studied. AChE and ChAT staining revealed that the ntdl contains mostly cholinergic neurons. In addition, brightly reactive substance P and galanin and paler staining CRF, ANF, CGRP, NT, VIP, and Dyn B cell bodies were found within the ntdl. Varicose fibers in this nucleus also contained these peptides in addition to CCK, GAD, TH, 5HT, and NPY. The dorsal tegmental nucleus, dorsal raphe nucleus, locus coeruleus, and the parabrachial region contained a dense and varied assortment of peptides with distinct positions and patterns. This multiplicity of neurochemicals within this area suggests a possible influence on a variety of functions modulated by the ntdl and other closely associated tegmental nuclei.

Destruction of cells in the midportion of the locus coeruleus by a dorsal bundle lesion in neonatal rats

Although insult of the developing noradrenergic neuronal system in the brain has been associated with redistribution of noradrenergic fiber input to various target brain regions, few studies have investigated the effects of such insults on locus coeruleus cell survival. In the present study the dorsal noradrenergic bundle was transected by means of a midbrain knife cut in rats 3 days after birth, and the effects of this lesion were determined approximately 8-10 weeks later. By means of an immunofluorescent histochemical procedure, it was shown that tyrosine hydroxylase-containing fibers and dopamine beta-hydroxylase-containing fibers were markedly reduced in number in the neocortex and hippocampus--regions anterograde to the site of axonal transection. It was further demonstrated that the number of fluorescent fibers coursing through the dorsal bundle was similarly reduced. Sprouting of noradrenergic fibers in the brainstem and cerebellum accompanied the above alterations. When locus coeruleus cell number was determined by counting Cresyl violet-stained nucleoli in serial sections it was found that dorsal bundle transection produced a loss of 17% of the cells of the coeruleus. By dividing the counts for each nucleus into fifths, it was additionally found that approximately 20-25% of those cells comprising the midportion of the nucleus, along a rostrocaudal axis, were the ones destroyed by axonal transection. These findings indicate that a neonatal lesion of the dorsal bundle produces a loss of cells in the midportion of the nucleus locus coeruleus, and that this effect is associated with noradrenergic neuronal hyperinnervation of the brainstem and cerebellum.

Purification and immunocytochemical detection of a protein that reveals layer V pyramidal cells in the rat cortex

Protein 36 is a soluble protein isolated and purified from a high-speed supernatant fraction from homogenates of rat brain. To identify this protein in the brain, two-dimensional gel electrophoretograms of soluble proteins were prepared. The protein was separated by ion exchange and gel filtration chromatography. The chromatographic fractions were analyzed by two-dimensional electrophoresis. Protein 36 is a homodimer with a molecular weight of 64,000 Da and monomeric weight of 37,000 Da with an isoelectric point of 6.5. A rabbit antibody was raised to this protein. Immunocytochemical studies indicate that protein 36 is localized in large pyramidal cells, dendrites and axons of layer V of the cerebral cortex. The hippocampus contained cells in the stratum radiata and processes in the stratum pyramidalis. A variety of cell types were also observed in the globus pallidus, thalamus and hypothalamus.

Hypothalamic hypothyroidism caused by lesions in rat paraventricular nuclei alters the carbohydrate structure of secreted thyrotropin

The effects of hypothalamic hypothyroidism vs. primary hypothyroidism on TSH carbohydrate structure were studied in the rat. Adult male rats with bilateral paraventricular nuclear lesions (n = 10), sham lesions (n = 10), and thyroidectomies (n = 6) were studied 2 weeks postoperatively and compared to normal animals without surgery (n = 6). Pituitaries were incubated in medium containing [3H]glucosamine for 24 h. TSH was immunoprecipitated from medium and pituitary sonicates using anti-TSH beta serum, digested with pronase to obtain TSH glycopeptides, desalted, then analyzed by Concanavalin-A (Con-A) chromatography. Compared to sham controls, hypothalamus-lesioned animals contained a greater proportion of secreted TSH glycopeptides that bound weakly to Con-A, indicating a shift from bisecting and/or multiantennary structures in control animals to biantennary and/or truncated hybrid forms in hypothalamus-lesioned animals. In contrast, thyroidectomized animals, compared to normal and lesioned animals, contained a greater proportion of secreted TSH glycopeptides that did not bind to Con-A, indicating a shift from biantennary and/or truncated hybrid forms to bisecting and/or multiantennary forms. The characteristics of the carbohydrate chains on secreted TSH differed markedly in hypothalamic vs. primary hypothyroidism despite equally low thyroid hormone levels in vivo. Thus, in addition to regulating TSH secretion, hypothalamic hormones alter TSH carbohydrate structure, which may affect its bioactivity and MCR.

Multifactorial control of pituitary hormone secretion: the "wheels" of the brain

An attempt is made to deal with the complexity of the nerve fibers in the median eminence. Visual aids are presented in the shape of "wheels" that depict a dynamic interplay of neurochemicals which result in the release of hormones from the anterior pituitary gland. The multiplicity of neurochemicals in the median eminence is perceived to be responsible for the integrated control of pituitary hormone releasing factors.

Abolition of vagino-cervical stimulation-induced analgesia by capsaicin administered to neonatal, but not adult rats

We have previously reported that vagino-cervical mechanical stimulation (VS or probing) produces analgesia in rats. Neonatal treatment with capsaicin (CAP) has been shown to reduce the concentrations of several neuropeptides in dorsal root ganglia, spinal cord, and autonomic ganglia, via a neurotoxic effect. In the present study, we report that CAP administered in the neonatal period abolishes the analgesic effect of probing in adulthood. In addition, we report that the ability of VS to potentiate the lordosis response to manual stimulation of the flanks is abolished by neonatal CAP treatment. By contrast, rats treated as adults with CAP show the typical VS-produced effects of analgesia and potentiation of the lordosis response. Our results suggest that neonatal, but not adult, CAP treatment depletes a neuropeptide(s) that mediates the analgesia and lordosis-inducing effects of VS.

Lack of effect of chronic carbamazepine on brain somatostatin in the rat

We investigated the effects of chronic carbamazepine treatment in rats on brain somatostatin. Following 12 days of carbamazepine treatment, no changes in somatostatin levels were found in any of the brain areas examined which included: amygdala, hippocampus, caudate-putamen, median eminence, arcuate nucleus, nucleus accumbens, nucleus interstitialis of the stria terminalis, nucleus periventricularis, parietal cortex, and occipital cortex. Thus, carbamazepine in low doses does not affect basal levels of brain somatostatin in the rat, in contrast to the previous reports of decreased somatostatin in the cerebrospinal fluid of affectively ill patients.

Incorporation of amino acids into proteins of the hypothalamus of prepuberal female rats after estradiol treatment

The arcuate nucleus-median eminence complex (AM) undergoes major structural and functional changes during normal puberty or if exposed to a pulse of estradiol in the prepuberal period. Those changes are expressed by increased synaptogenesis and by a drastic alteration in the feedback control of anterior pituitary gland hormone release. In this study we investigated the effects of estradiol benzoate (EB) on specific proteins in this hypothalamic area. Prepuberal, 25-day-old female rats were administered 10 micrograms of EB s.c. in oil or sesame oil vehicle. The animals were decapitated either 17 or 42 h after treatment. The brains were removed, blocked and serially sections at 300 micron using a Vibratome. The AM was dissected out and incubated for 6 h in a medium containing 35S-methionine and 35S-cysteine. Proteins from the AM were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, and the gels were exposed to X-ray film. The resulting autofluorographs were analyzed by scanning densitometry. The results show that the incorporation of labeled amino acids was increased in 10 proteins and decreased in 2 proteins in rats killed 17 h after EB. At 42 h after EB, 6 proteins showed an increased incorporation of amino acids and two proteins showed a decrease. Our results suggest that one or several of these proteins might be involved in the neuroendocrine and structural changes observed in the AM during puberty.

Effects of neuropeptide Y on LH, FSH and TSH release in male rats

These experiments were undertaken to investigate the effects of systemically administered neuropeptide Y (NPY) on gonadotropin secretion in the intact male rat and to determine whether the effects observed might be mediated by a direct action of NPY alone on the anterior pituitary gland (APG). Subcutaneous administration of 10 micrograms of NPY caused a greater than 2-fold increase in serum luteinizing hormone (LH) concentration at 15 min after injection but was without effect on serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or thyrotropin-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. The addition of NPY (final concentrations of 10(-8) to 10(-11) M) or the structurally similar neuropeptide, rat pancreatic polypeptide, to culture medium containing hemi-APG did not alter the release of LH, FSH, or TSH. The results indicate that systemically administered NPY can elevate serum LH concentration in intact male rats. This effect does not appear to be due to NPY acting alone at the level of the APG.

Immunohistochemical localization of cytochrome P-450 in rat brain

The presence of cytochrome P-450 in rat brain was studied by immunohistochemistry, using antibodies to cytochrome P-450 purified from livers of phenobarbital- or 3-methylcholanthrene-treated rats. Immunoreactive nerves were observed only in brain sections incubated with immunoglobulin-G to 3-methylcholanthrene-induced cytochrome P-450. This immunoreactivity was abolished by preabsorption of the antibody with highly purified rat liver cytochrome P-450c, the major cytochrome P-450 isozyme induced by 3-methylcholanthrene, but was not affected by other cytochrome P-450 isozymes induced by phenobarbital, isosafrole or pregnenolone-16 alpha-carbonitrile. The most abundant concentration of nerve fibers with cytochrome P-450 immunoreactivity was observed in the globus pallidus. Immunoreactive fibers were also observed in the caudate putamen, amygdala, septum, ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus, medial forebrain bundle, ansa lenticularis, and ventromedial portion of the internal capsule and crus cerebri. Cell bodies with cytochrome P-450 immunoreactivity were observed in the caudate putamen and in the perifornical area of the hypothalamus. The cytochrome P-450 immunoreactive fibers in the globus pallidus and caudate putamen do not appear to emanate from cell bodies in the substantia nigra, since there was no reduction in the density of these fibers after unilateral stereotaxic electrolytic destruction of the substantia nigra (zona compacta and reticulata). Our data suggest that these striatal nerve processes are derived from cell bodies within the caudate putamen itself. The present results indicate that rat brain contains a form of cytochrome P-450 with antigenic relatedness to the hepatic 3-methylcholanthrene-inducible cytochrome P-450c.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Chronic administration of desipramine or nialamide decreases wet-dog shakes in rats produced by the TRH-analog MK-771

The effect of chronic administration of the tricyclic antidepressant, desipramine, or the monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), nialamide, on the ability of the TRH analog, MK-771, to induce wet-dog shakes in rats was examined. MK-771 at a dose of 3 mg/kg produced significantly fewer wet-dog shakes in those animals treated repeatedly with either nialamide or DMI in comparison to those animals treated chronically with saline. Acute administration of these antidepressant compounds did not alter the ability of MK-771 to produce wet-dog shakes in rats. The results of these experiments indicate that TRH responsiveness in the CNS is reduced by chronic but not acute antidepressant drug treatment, and suggest that TRH may be involved in antidepressant drug action.

Peptidergic innervation of the rat Harderian gland

The immunohistochemical localization of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), Neurotensin (NT), cholecystokinin (CCK), Neuropeptide Y (NPY), and calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP) in rat Harderian glands was examined. Numerous VIP- and CCK-like immunoreactive nerves were found in close apposition to the acini. Sparse numbers of NT-, NPY-, and CGRP-like immunoreactive nerves were observed in close proximity to the acini and blood vessels. Some VIP-like immunoreactive nerves were shown to be co-localized with acetylcholinesterase-positive cholinergic nerves.

Isolation of specific proteins affected by estradiol in the arcuate-median eminence of prepuberal female rats

Prepuberal female rats (25 days of age) were injected with estradiol benzoate (EB 10 micrograms/rat, s.c. in oil) or oil vehicle. Forty-eight hours after treatment, all animals were decapitated, their brains removed and sectioned. The arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus and median eminence were microdissected and processed for isoelectric focusing followed by slab gel electrophoresis. The resulting two-dimensional electrophoretic gels were analyzed to quantitate the specific proteins resolved using a scanning microdensitometric method. Out of 235 proteins measured, 8 proteins were found to be significantly increased and 4 were decreased by EB treatment. The proteins which increased in concentration ranged in molecular weight from 15 to 43 kDa and isoelectric points (pI) of 4.9 to 7.0. The 4 proteins decreased by the EB treatment were 44, 67, 74 and 80 kDa in molecular weight and their pI's ranged from 6.5 to 7.1. It is suggested that these proteins might be involved in some of the neuroendocrine effects that are induced by estradiol in this region of the brain.

Autoradiographic distribution of 125I-galanin binding sites in the rat central nervous system

Galanin (GAL) binding sites in coronal sections of the rat brain were demonstrated using autoradiographic methods. Scatchard analysis of 125I-GAL binding to slide-mounted tissue sections revealed saturable binding to a single class of receptors with a Kd of approximately 0.2 nM. 125I-GAL binding sites were demonstrated throughout the rat central nervous system. Dense binding was observed in the following areas: prefrontal cortex, the anterior nuclei of the olfactory bulb, several nuclei of the amygdaloid complex, the dorsal septal area, dorsal bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, the ventral pallidum, the internal medullary laminae of the thalamus, medial pretectal nucleus, nucleus of the medial optic tract, borderline area of the caudal spinal trigeminal nucleus adjacent to the spinal trigeminal tract, the substantia gelatinosa and the superficial layers of the dorsal spinal cord. Moderate binding was observed in the piriform, periamygdaloid, entorhinal, insular cortex and the subiculum, the nucleus accumbens, medial forebrain bundle, anterior hypothalamic, ventromedial, dorsal premamillary, lateral and periventricular thalamic nuclei, the subzona incerta, Forel's field H1 and H2, periventricular gray matter, medial and superficial gray strata of the superior colliculus, dorsal parts of the central gray, peripeduncular area, the interpeduncular nucleus, substantia nigra zona compacta, ventral tegmental area, the dorsal and ventral parabrachial and parvocellular reticular nuclei. The preponderance of GAL-binding in somatosensory as well as in limbic areas suggests a possible involvement of GAL in a variety of brain functions.

Hemiparkinsonism in a monkey after unilateral internal carotid artery infusion of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) is associated with regional ipsilateral changes in striatal dopamine D-2 receptor density

Infusion of 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) into the right internal carotid artery of a cynomologus monkey (Macaca fascicularis) induced an almost complete loss of the dopaminergic innervation of the right caudate-putamen and hemiparkinsonism. Digital subtraction autoradiography revealed that at 8 weeks postinjection, a major increase in [3H]spiroperidol binding to D-2 sites in the lateral regions of the right caudate nucleus and putamen occurred, without a significant change in the medial caudate nucleus and putamen. The 92-96% decrease in specific [3H]mazindol binding observed in the right striatum extended into the medial caudate nucleus and putamen and confirmed the extensive loss of dopamine inputs to this structure. The region of the increase in D-2 receptor density is innervated by somatosensory, motor and parietal cortex. This indicates that the increase in D-2 receptor density in this region of the striatum may play a particularly important role in the L-dihydroxyphenylanine-induced motoric recovery observed in such animals.

3H-nicotine- and 125I-alpha-bungarotoxin-labeled nicotinic receptors in the interpeduncular nucleus of rats. II. Effects of habenular deafferentation

The cholinergic innervation of the interpeduncular nucleus (IPN) is wholly extrinsic and is greatly attenuated by bilateral habenular destruction. We describe changes in the labeling of putative nicotinic receptors within this nucleus at 3, 5, or 11 days after bilateral habenular lesions. Adjacent tissue sections of the rat IPN were utilized for 3H-nicotine and 125I-alpha-bungarotoxin (125I-BTX) receptor autoradiography. Compared to sham-operated controls, habenular destruction significantly reduced autoradiographic 3H-nicotine labeling in rostral (-25%), intermediate (-13%), and lateral subnuclei (-36%). Labeling in the central subnucleus was unchanged. Loss of labeling was maximal at the shortest survival time (3 days) and did not change thereafter. In order to establish whether this loss was due to a reduction in the number or the affinity of 3H-nicotine-binding sites, a membrane assay was performed on microdissected IPN tissue from rats that had received surgery 3 days previously. Bilateral habenular lesions produced a 35% reduction of high-affinity 3H-nicotine-binding sites, with no change in binding affinity. Bilateral habenular lesions reduced 125I-BTX labeling in the intermediate subnuclei, and a slight increase occurred in the rostral subnucleus. In the lateral subnuclei, 125I-BTX labeling was significantly reduced (27%) at 3 days but not at later survival times. In view of the known synaptic morphology of the habenulointerpeduncular tract, it is concluded that a subpopulation of 3H-nicotine binding sites within the IPN is located on afferent axons and/or terminals. This subpopulation, located within rostral, intermediate, and lateral subnuclei, may correspond to presynaptic nicotinic cholinergic receptors. Sites that bind 125I-BTX may include a presynaptic subpopulation located in the lateral and possibly the intermediate subnuclei.

3H-nicotine and 125I-alpha-bungarotoxin-labeled nicotinic receptors in the interpeduncular nucleus of rats. I. Subnuclear distribution

The distribution of nicotinic receptors within the interpeduncular nucleus (IPN) was determined in male rats following in vitro labeling with the cholinergic ligands 3H-nicotine and 125I-alpha-bungarotoxin (BTX). Autoradiographic images of two rostrocaudal levels of IPN were analyzed by computer-assisted densitometry and the optical density contributed by displaceable labeling was determined in the rostral, central, intermediate, and lateral subnuclei. 3H-nicotine labeling density within the four subnuclei differs significantly at both levels of IPN. The greatest density of labeling is localized in the rostral subnucleus, followed in order of diminishing density by the central, intermediate, and lateral subnuclei. Labeling within the rostral subnucleus is prominently localized within its central zone. In the central subnucleus, a dense concentration of binding sites is apparent in the middle region, adjacent to less dense vertically oriented columns; 3H-nicotine binding sites in the lateral subnuclei appear to be most concentrated medially, adjacent to the intermediate subnuclei. 125I-BTX labeling density within the four subnuclei also differs significantly at both levels of IPN. The greatest density of labeling is found in the rostral subnucleus, followed in order of decreasing density by the lateral, central, and intermediate subnuclei. The ovoid regions of the rostral subnucleus contain dense 125I-BTX labeling. In the lateral subnuclei, 125I-BTX binding appears to be predominantly along the lateral margins of the subnucleus. The present data indicate that the IPN contains two distinct populations of putative cholinergic nicotinic receptors identified, respectively, by 3H-nicotine and 125I-BTX labeling. Each population of labeled receptors is uniquely localized in patterns that suggest differences in density within and across subnuclei.

Iron deficiency alters discrete proteins in rat caudate nucleus and nucleus accumbens

Young rats (21 days old) made nutritionally iron deficient, by feeding them a semisynthetic diet containing skimmed milk for 5 weeks, had significantly lowered hemoglobin levels (5.2 +/- 4 g/100 ml). The nonheme iron content in caudate nucleus was decreased by 47%. The behavioral response of iron-deficient rats to apomorphine (2 mg/kg) and the density of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethylamine (dopamine) D2 receptors, as measured by [3H]spiperone binding in caudate nucleus, were significantly reduced by 70 and 53%, respectively. The possibility that nutritional iron deficiency may affect protein content in brain was investigated by measuring the apparent concentration of proteins in caudate nucleus and nucleus accumbens from iron-deficient and control animals using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The data indicate that iron deficiency can affect content in these two brain regions. Significant changes in the content of 10 proteins were noted in the caudate nucleus and nucleus accumbens in iron-deficient rats. The albumin level was significantly increased in both regions studied, whereas the neuron-specific enolase level was increased in the nucleus accumbens and the glial fibrillary acidic protein level was reduced in the caudate nucleus. The significance of these protein content changes, as well as a reduction in content of a 94-kilodalton protein (a molecular size similar to that of the D2 dopamine receptor), remains to be established.

Protein patterns in various malignant human brain tumors by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis

Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis with silver staining was used to study protein patterns in various malignant human brain tumors obtained at surgery. These samples included 20 high-grade astrocytomas (anaplastic astrocytomas and glioblastomas), one low-grade astrocytoma, six juvenile astrocytomas, four ependymomas, and five medulloblastomas. Histological correlates of the sampled tissue were carefully established prior to micropunch sampling. The molecular weight range of these gels was 14,000 to 100,000, and the isoelectric points ranged from 4.7 to 7.0. Proteins that have been identified include albumin, actin, tubulin, glial fibrillary acidic protein, vimentin, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, neuron-specific enolase, and the beta-subunit of the guanine nucleotide regulatory proteins. Each type of tumor was found to have a characteristic protein profile that set it apart from the other tumors studied. By providing a convenient tool for the display of a wide spectrum of tumor markers in a single study, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis protein profiles may be useful as diagnostic and prognostic adjuncts. Furthermore, several protein spots that were not noted in normal human cortex were identified in the various tumor gels. Antibodies can be raised against some of these tumor-associated proteins, and their further characterization could provide valuable insights into the biology of these tumors.

Hemiparkinsonism in monkeys after unilateral internal carotid artery infusion of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)

Infusion of MPTP (0.2-0.8 mg/kg) into the right internal carotid artery of monkeys produces toxin-induced injury to the right nigrostriatal pathway with sparing of other dopaminergic neurones on the infused side and with negligible or little injury to the opposite, untreated side. There are contralateral limb dystonic postures, rigidity, and bradykinesia, but the animals are able to eat and maintain health without drug treatment. Spontaneous motor activity is attended by circling towards the injured side, whereas treatment with L-DOPA/-carbidopa or apomorphine stimulates circling towards the intact side. Dopamine and dopamine metabolite levels are normal in the left caudate and putamen, but markedly depressed on the right (MPTP-treated) side. This animal hemiparkinsonian model will be useful in studies of volitional movement control, drug treatments of Parkinson's disease, and functional efficacy of brain tissue implants.

Immunocytochemical localization of atrial natriuretic factor, galanin and calcitonin gene-related peptide within the rat interpeduncular nucleus

The immunocytochemical localization of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF), galanin (GAL), and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in specific subnuclei of the interpeduncular nucleus (IPN) was determined by immunocytochemistry in rats with and without intraventricular colchicine injection. ANF-positive processes were present within the ovoid regions of the rostral subnucleus, the dorsal lateral subnuclei, and were densely concentrated along the medial aspects of the lateral subnuclei in the caudal half of the IPN. GAL-positive processes were concentrated within the lateral subnuclei, in a narrow band extending over the central and intermediate subnuclei, and within the central subnuclei. GAL-positive cell bodies were present in a narrow band ventral to the rostral subnucleus, and in the ventrolateral corners of the caudal IPN. CGRP-positive processes were primarily localized within the dorsal lateral subnuclei and dorsal aspects of the lateral subnuclei. The presence of ANF, GAL and CGRP peptides within the IPN in patterns similar to previously described localizations of substance P, vasoactive intestinal peptide, serotonin and Leu-enkephalin provides a morphologic basis for modulation of complex physiological actions yet to be elucidated.

Quantitative distribution of galanin-like immunoreactivity in the rat central nervous system

Using an antiserum directed against synthetic galanin (GAL) a sensitive radioimmunoassay was developed. The antiserum interaction with GAL was characterized by displacement curve characteristics and high performance liquid chromatography. Besides the main GAL-immunoreactive peak several small peaks with GAL-like immunoreactivity were observed. No cross-reactivity of the GAL-antiserum with several other peptides was observed. GAL-like immunoreactivity was measured in 37 microdissected areas of the rat central nervous system. High concentrations (greater than 2000 fmol/mg protein) were observed in the amygdaloid nuclei, the septum, globus pallidus, bed nuclei of the stria terminalis, all hypothalamic nuclei, the superior colliculus, locus coeruleus, the nucleus of the solitary tract and the neurointermediate lobe of the pituitary. Moderate concentrations (1000-2000 fmol/mg protein) were observed in the hippocampus, the nucleus accumbens and nucleus of the diagonal tract, the caudate-putamen, the central gray, the nucleus, tract and substantia gelatinosa of the spinal trigeminal nerve. The results generally correlate with those previously published by immunocytochemistry. The widespread distribution of GAL-like immunoreactivity in the rat central nervous system suggests an involvement of GAL in a variety of brain functions.

The effects of anterior hypothalamic deafferentation on thyrotropin (TSH) biosynthesis and response to TSH-releasing hormone

The effects of hypothalamic deafferentation on TSH synthesis were studied by making cuts of 180 degrees arc in the anterior hypothalamus (n = 18) or sham cuts (n = 12) in rats. After 21 days, pituitaries were incubated with [35S]methionine (MET), [3H]glucosamine (GLCN), with or without 10(-8)M TRH for 24 h. TSH and free alpha-subunits were immunoprecipitated and analyzed by gel electrophoresis. In the deafferented group as compared to sham, MET incorporation into both subunits of secreted TSH was decreased (alpha, 96 +/- (SE) 9 X 10(3) vs. 180 +/- 20 X 10(3) dpm/mg protein; beta, 35 +/- 9 X 10(3) vs. 84 +/- 15 X 10(3) dpm/mg protein; P less than 0.05). Basal GLCN incorporation into both subunits of secreted TSH was also decreased in the deafferented group (alpha, 6.5 +/- 11 X 10(3) vs. 132 +/- 17 X 10(3) dpm/mg protein; beta, 36 +/- 8 X 10(3) vs. 101 +/- 29 X 10(3), P less than 0.05). In vitro TRH did not stimulate MET incorporation into secreted TSH in the sham controls but did in the deafferented group (alpha, 270% of basal; beta, 374% of basal; P less than 0.01). In vitro TRH increased GLCN incorporation in secreted TSH in both the sham (alpha, 253% of basal; beta, 245% of basal; P less than 0.02) and the deafferented group (alpha, 692% of basal; beta, 630% of basal; P less than 0.01). GLCN/MET ratio, reflecting relative glycosylation, did not differ for sham or deafferented groups but increased 2-fold with in vitro TRH in each group for both secreted subunits (P less than 0.01). Free alpha-synthesis and intrapituitary TSH were not altered by deafferentation or TRH. In summary, 1) anterior hypothalamic deafferentation decreases basal TSH protein and carbohydrate synthesis; 2) such deafferentation increases sensitivity to TRH stimulation of TSH synthesis, most notably apoprotein synthesis; 3) TRH increases relative glycosylation of secreted TSH in both deafferented and sham groups. These data suggest that TRH plays a significant role in regulating basal TSH protein and carbohydrate synthesis, glycosylation of TSH subunits, and subsequent bioactivity.

Distribution of immunoreactive melanin-concentrating hormone in the central nervous system of the rat

The distribution of melanin-concentrating hormone-like immunoreactivity (MCH-LI) in 41 microdissected brain and spinal cord regions was determined using radioimmunoassay with antibodies to salmon MCH. The highest concentration of MCH-LI was detected just ventral to the zona incerta (subzona incerta) (2923.2 fmol/mg protein). Very high concentrations of MCH-LI (greater than 1000 fmol/mg protein) were detected also in the nucleus of the diagonal band, medial forebrain bundle, posterior hypothalamic nucleus and medial mammillary nucleus. High concentrations of the peptide (between 500-1000 fmol/mg protein) were measured in 11 brain regions, including bed nucleus of stria terminalis, paraventricular nucleus, anterior hypothalamic nucleus, median eminence, parabrachial nucleus. Moderate concentrations of MCH-LI (between 250-500 fmol/mg protein) were measured in 16 brain regions, such as frontal cortex, central amygdaloid nucleus, medial septum, periventricular nucleus (preoptic) and nucleus of the solitary tract. Low concentrations of MCH-LI (less than 250 fmol/mg protein) were measured in 9 brain regions such as cortical areas, hippocampus, caudate nucleus and substantia nigra. Cervical spinal cord and neurointermediate lobe of the pituitary gland contain low concentrations of the peptide.

Subfornical organ: effects of salt loading and water deprivation on in vitro radioamino acid incorporation into individual proteins

The subfornical organ of the brain has a role in the regulation of fluid balance in higher animals. In this study the effects of salt loading and water deprivation on specific proteins in this organ were investigated. For 4 days, 3 groups of rats were given an appropriate fluid diet (control, 2% NaCl and water deprived), with all groups having free access to food. Animals were killed by decapitation, and the subfornical organ was quickly dissected out and incubated for 6 h in a medium containing [35S]methionine and [35S]cysteine. Proteins from these organs were then separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis, and the resulting autofluorographs were analyzed by scanning densitometry. The results show that the incorporation of labeled amino acids into 8 proteins was changed due to the experimental manipulations.

Effect of 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine on the concentration of individual proteins in different areas of the rat brain

Proteins which are apparently regulated in concentration in two different areas of the rat brain by the indole neurotransmitter serotonin were identified using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis combined with computerized scanning densitometry. Reduction in central serotonin levels produced a decrease in the concentration of 3 different proteins (2 in the parietal cortex, 1 in the hippocampus). Two proteins, both in the hippocampus, were elevated in concentration following serotonin depletion. These results demonstrate that there exist in the brain a limited number of proteins whose concentration is influenced by serotonin.

Effects of bilateral lesion of the locus coeruleus and of neonatal administration of 6-hydroxydopamine on the concentration of individual proteins in rat brain

The role that norepinephrine plays in regulating the concentration of different proteins in the parietal cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum was assessed by investigating the effects of either a bilateral lesion of the locus coeruleus or neonatal administration of 6-hydroxydopamine. Two weeks after lesioning the locus coeruleus, the concentration of two different proteins was elevated in the hippocampus; a third protein was reduced in concentration in this brain area as a result of the lesion. Three proteins were affected in concentration in the cerebellum after the locus coeruleus lesion--two were elevated in concentration and one was reduced in concentration. No proteins were altered in concentration in the parietal cortex as a result of the lesion. Seventy days after neonatal treatment with 6-hydroxydopamine, a total of 6 proteins were found to be changed. Four of these (one in the hippocampus and 3 in the parietal cortex) were reduced in concentration while two proteins (both in the cerebellum) were elevated in concentration after neonatal treatment with the catecholamine neurotoxin. There was little overlap between those proteins affected in concentration by the bilateral lesion of the locus coeruleus and those changed by neonatal treatment with 6-hydroxydopamine. These results suggest that the concentration of a number of different proteins may, under normal physiological conditions, be regulated in vivo by norepinephrine in the brain.

Cardiovascular effects produced by microinjection of calcitonin gene-related peptide into the rat central amygdaloid nucleus

Recent studies have provided evidence for a dense localization of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and its receptors within the central amygdaloid nucleus (Ce) in rat brain. Since this nucleus has been thought to play a role in central cardiovascular regulation, the present study examined the cardiovascular effects subsequent to the microinjection of CGRP into the Ce. Doses of 50-500 pmol of CGRP produced a significant elevation of 11-15% in systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressures. Heart rate was significantly elevated by 16-18% by these doses of CGRP. The time course of the effects of CGRP revealed that onset of action occurred after 15-20 min, peak effects were seen at approximately 30-40 min after onset and the effects of the peptide usually lasted for at least 2 hr, after which time BP and HR values returned to baseline. The present study demonstrates that CGRP produces significant increases in both BP and HR when pmol doses of the peptide are injected into the Ce. It is suggested that in the Ce, CGRP plays a neuromodulatory role in cardiovascular function.

Melanin-concentrating hormone: unique peptide neuronal system in the rat brain and pituitary gland

A unique neuronal system was detected in the rat central nervous system by immunohistochemistry and radioimmunoassay with antibodies to salmon melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH). MCH-like immunoreactive (MCH-LI) cell bodies were confined to the hypothalamus. MCH-LI fibers were found throughout the brain but were most prevalent in hypothalamus, mesencephalon, and pons-medulla regions. High concentrations of MCH-LI were measured in the hypothalamic medial forebrain bundle (MFB), posterior hypothalamic nucleus, and nucleus of the diagonal band. Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography of MFB extracts from rat brain indicate that MCH-like peptide from the rat has a different retention time than that of the salmon MCH. An osmotic stimulus (2% NaCl as drinking water for 120 hr) caused a marked increase in MCH-LI concentrations in the lateral hypothalamus and neurointermediate lobe. The present studies establish the presence of MCH-like peptide in the rat brain. The MCH-LI neuronal system is well situated to coordinate complex functions such as regulation of water intake.

Distribution of corticotropin-releasing factor receptors in primate brain

The distribution and properties of receptors for corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) were analyzed in the brain of cynomolgus monkeys. Binding of [125I]tyrosine-labeled ovine CRF to frontal cortex and amygdala membrane-rich fractions was saturable, specific, and time- and temperature-dependent, reaching equilibrium in 30 min at 23 degrees C. Scatchard analysis of the binding data indicated one class of high-affinity sites with a Kd of 1 nM and a concentration of 125 fmol/mg (approximately equal to 30% of the receptor number in monkey anterior pituitary membranes). As in the rat pituitary and brain, CRF receptors in monkey cerebral cortex and amygdala were coupled to adenylate cyclase. Autoradiographic analysis of specific CRF binding in brain sections revealed that the receptors were widely distributed in the cerebral cortex and limbic system. Receptor density was highest in the pars tuberalis of the pituitary and throughout the cerebral cortex, specifically in the prefrontal, frontal, orbital, cingulate, insular, and temporal areas, and in the cerebellar cortex. A very high binding density was also present in the hippocampus, mainly in the dentate gyrus, and in the arcuate nucleus and nucleus tuberis lateralis. A high binding density was present in the amygdaloid complex and mamillary bodies, olfactory tubercle, and medial portion of the dorsomedial nucleus of the thalamus. A moderate binding density was found in the nucleus accumbens, claustrum, caudate-putamen, paraventricular and posterior lateral nuclei of the thalamus, inferior colliculus, and dorsal parabrachial nucleus. A low binding density was present in the superior colliculus, locus coeruleus, substantia gelatinosa, preoptic area, septal area, and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. These data demonstrate that receptors for CRF are present within the primate brain at areas related to the central control of visceral function and behavior, suggesting that brain CRF may serve as a neurotransmitter in the coordination of endocrine and neural mechanisms involved in the response to stress.

Distribution of immunoreactive atrial natriuretic peptides in the central nervous system of the rat

The distribution of immunoreactive (ir) atrial natriuretic peptides (ANPs) in 47 microdissected brain and spinal cord regions of the rat was determined by radioimmunoassay. The highest concentrations of ir-ANPs exist in the paraventricular nucleus and median preoptic nucleus (580.9 and 558.0 fmol/mg protein, respectively). High concentrations of ir-ANP (greater than 300 fmol/mg protein) are present in the interpeduncular nucleus, preoptic and hypothalamic periventricular nuclei, median eminence and organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis. Moderate concentrations of ir-ANPs (between 100 and 300 fmol/mg protein) are found in 16 brain regions such as the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, nucleus of the diagonal band, most of the hypothalamic nuclei, central gray, locus coeruleus and parabrachial nuclei. Low levels of ir-ANPs (less than 100 fmol/mg protein) exist in 22 brain regions including cortical areas, amygdala, caudate nucleus, nucleus accumbens, hippocampus, supraoptic nucleus, subfornical organ, medial mammillary nucleus, substantia nigra, dorsal raphe nucleus, cerebellum, nucleus of the solitary tract and others. Cervical spinal cord and neurointermediate lobe of pituitary gland contain low levels of ir-ANPs.

Effect of chronic treatment with clorgyline on the relative concentration of specific proteins in the hippocampus and parietal cortex of the rat

The effect of the chronic administration of clorgyline, a type A inhibitor of monoamine oxidase, on the relative concentration of proteins from the brain of the rat was examined by analysis of two-dimensional electrophoretic gels. The results from this study showed that the administration of clorgyline for 3 weeks produced a significant elevation in the relative concentration of two proteins in the parietal cortex (mol. wt 23,000 and 30,000) and one protein in the hippocampus (mol. wt 25,000). In contrast, the relative concentration of three proteins (mol. wt 31,000, 42,000 and 45,000) was significantly reduced in the parietal cortex by chronic treatment with clorgyline. No protein in the hippocampus was found to be significantly reduced by treatment with clorgyline. Since a previous study has indicated that the relative concentration of three different proteins were significantly altered by the repeated administration of desipramine, the results from the present experiment indicate that different changes in proteins are produced by repeated treatment with the type A monoamine oxidase inhibitor, clorgyline, as compared to those produced by the tricyclic antidepressant, desipramine. These results support previous suggestions that different classes of antidepressant compounds may exert their effects through different mechanisms of action.

Relationships between behavioral rhythms, plasma corticosterone and hypothalamic circadian rhythms

Circadian rhythms in physiological processes and behaviors were compared with hypothalamic circadian rhythms in norepinephrine (NE) metabolites, adrenergic transmitter receptors, cAMP, cGMP and suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) arginine vasopressin (AVP) in a single population of rats under D:D conditions. Eating, drinking and locomotor activity were high during the subjective night (the time when lights were out in L:D) and low during the subjective day (the time when lights were on in L:D). Plasma corticosterone concentration rose at subjective dusk and remained high until subjective dawn. Binding to hypothalamic alpha 1- and beta-adrenergic receptors also peaked during the subjective night. Cyclic cGMP concentration was elevated throughout the 24-hr period except for a trough at dusk, whereas DHPG concentration peaked at dawn. Arginine vasopressin levels in the suprachiasmatic nucleus peaked in the middle of the day. No rhythm was found either in binding to the alpha 2-adrenergic receptor, or in MHPG or cAMP concentration. Behavioral and corticosterone rhythms, therefore, are parallel to rhythms in hypothalamic alpha 1- and beta-receptor binding and NE-release. Cyclic GMP falls only at dusk, suggesting the possibility that cGMP inhibits activity much of the day and that at dusk the inhibition of nocturnal activity is removed. SCN AVP, on the other hand, peaking at 1400 hr, may play a role in the pacemaking function of the SCN that drives these other rhythms.

The beta subunit of the guanine nucleotide regulatory proteins: identification of its location on two-dimensional gels of brain tissue and its regional and subcellular distribution in brain

The beta subunit of the guanine nucleotide regulatory proteins (also termed G proteins) has been examined in both rat and human brain. Proteins contained within samples of fresh rat and human brain tissue were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and either stained with silver or reacted with various antisera raised against the G proteins. In both rat and human brain, a single protein of molecular weight 36,000 daltons and pI 5.8 reacted the antisera. This protein also comigrated with one of the proteins present in a purified preparation of bovine brain G proteins. Based upon molecular weight, pI, and reaction with specific antisera, it was concluded that this protein is the beta subunit of the G proteins in brain. Using this information, the regional and subcellular distribution of the G protein beta subunit was studied in rat brain. Of 25 distinct neuroanatomical areas examined, cortical regions were generally found to contain the largest amount of this protein. The subcellular distribution of the G protein beta subunit revealed that large amounts are present in the synaptic membrane, crude synaptic vesicles, and microsomes. These studies serve to identify another protein visible on silver-stained two-dimensional electrophoretograms of rat and human brain. The regional and subcellular distribution of the G protein beta subunit correlate well with the proposed physiological function of this protein.

Distribution of atrial natriuretic factor-like immunoreactive neurons in the rat brain

Using antisera generated in rabbits against rat atriopeptin III [alpha-rANP(5-28)] and human alpha-atrial natriuretic polypeptide we mapped the distribution of atrial natriuretic factor-like immunoreactivity throughout the rat central nervous system. Cell bodies were observed in the telencephalon (nucleus interstitialis striae terminalis and between the amygdala centralis and medialis), throughout the diencephalon in all nuclei of the "anteroventral third ventricle", the base of the hypothalamus, the subzona incerta area, the medial forebrain bundle and the medial habenula, in the mesencephalon (mamillary body, substantia nigra lateralis, dorsal and ventral parabrachial nuclei) and very sparse in the medulla oblongata along the fourth ventricle towards the vestibular nuclei, the nucleus tractus solitarii and nervi trigemini. Fibers were present wherever cell bodies were located. The highest relative densities were observed in the anteroventral third ventricle area and the medial habenula. Sparse fibers were also seen in the spinal cord (dorsal and ventral horn and around the central canal) and in the posterior pituitary. The predominance of the atrial natriuretic factor-like perikarya and fibers in the anteroventral third ventricle area suggests an involvement of this peptide in central blood pressure control.

Immunohistochemical localization of a melanin concentrating hormone-like peptide in the rat brain

Using antisera generated in rabbits against salmon melanin concentrating hormone (MCH) coupled to human thyroglobulin, the distribution of MCH-like immunoreactivity was mapped throughout the rat central nervous system. The distribution of MCH-like immunoreactivity in rat brain is unique and different from the distribution of other neuropeptides. MCH-like immunoreactive perikarya and fibers are predominant in the posterior hypothalamic area, mostly in the medial forebrain bundle-lateral hypothalamic area subzona incerta and the perifornical area. Cell bodies are located mainly in the medial forebrain bundle and in proximity to well defined hypothalamic nuclei. Fibers are seen throughout the rat brain in all neocortical areas, the neostriatum and the amygdala, in the diencephalon in most hypothalamic nuclei, the habenula, the mamillary body and very dense in the medial forebrain bundle and just ventral to the zona incerta ("subzona incerta"). In the mesencephalon there are fibers in the central gray; in the pons-medulla fibers are contained in the dorsal and ventral parabrachial nuclei; in the tegmental area ventral to the fourth ventricle; in the spinal trigeminal area, the substantia gelatinosa and the reticular nuclei. In the spinal cord there are more fibers in the dorsal than in the ventral horn. The posterior pituitary also contained few MCH-like fibers. It is suggested that a peptide similar, but not identical, to salmon MCH is present in the rat central nervous system.

Increases in heart rate and blood pressure produced by microinjections of atrial natriuretic factor into the AV3V region of rat brain

Recent studies have provided evidence for the dense localization of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) in the anteroventral third ventricle (AV3V) region of the rat brain. This area is currently thought to be involved in the regulation of blood pressure and fluid and electrolyte balance. To investigate whether ANF may play a role in central cardiovascular regulation, the effects of microinjection of ANF into the preoptic suprachiasmatic nucleus (POSC), which is located in the AV3V region of the brain, were examined in the present study. Low doses of ANF (2-4 pmol) produced modest elevations in systolic and diastolic pressures, approximately 10-14%, and a small rise in HR of roughly 7%. Higher doses of ANF (20-40 pmol) produced significant increases in systolic (15-19%), mean arterial (12-14%) and pulse (25-36%) pressures. In addition, much larger increases in HR, approximately 20%, were produced by these higher doses of ANF. The onset of effects produced by ANF on BP and HR was seen 15-45 min after injection. Peak effects were usually observed approximately 60-150 min after onset, and the duration of the effect was 2-4 hours, after which time values usually returned to baseline. These studies indicate that ANF produces significant increases in BP and HR when injected at pmol doses into the POSC, and lends support to the idea that this peptide may play an important role in central cardiovascular regulatory mechanisms.

Quantitative distribution of calcitonin gene-related peptide in the rat central nervous system

Using an antiserum directed against human calcitonin gene-related peptide (hCGRP), which fully cross reacts with rat CGRP, a sensitive radioimmunoassay was developed. The antiserum was characterized by displacement curve characteristics and high performance liquid chromatography. The assay was applied to rat brain tissue and the concentration of CGRP for 48 microdissected brain areas is presented. Highest levels (1000-4500 fmol/mg protein) were found in the central amygdaloid, caudate putamen, and spinal trigeminal nerve nucleus and tract, substantia gelatinosa, and the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Moderate levels (200-600 fmol/mg protein) were found in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, the subfornical organ, the paraventricular, arcuate, dorsomedial, dorsal parabrachial, ambiguus and tractus solitarii nuclei and in the median eminence. These results coincide with those previously obtained by immunohistochemistry. The widespread distribution in the brain suggests involvement of CGRP in a variety of behavioral functions.

Binding sites for corticotropin releasing factor in sensory areas of the rat hindbrain and spinal cord

Binding sites of 125I-Tyr-O-ovine corticotropin releasing factor have been demonstrated in sensory areas of the rat hindbrain and spinal cord mainly in the posterior part of the nucleus tractus solitarii, the substantia gelatinosa nervi trigemini and the superficial layers of the spinal cord (laminae I and II). Specific binding was inhibited in the presence of unlabeled synthetic ovine or rat/human CRF indicating that the receptors recognize both forms of CRF.

Behavioral investigation of the coexistence of substance P, corticotropin releasing factor, and acetylcholinesterase in lateral dorsal tegmental neurons projecting to the medial frontal cortex of the rat

Colocalization of substance P (SP), corticotropin releasing factor (CRF), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was detected by retrograde tracing and immunocytochemical staining in the nucleus tegmentalis dorsalis lateralis (ntdl) projecting to the medial frontal cortex (MFC), septum, and thalamus of the rat. The histochemical results suggest that SP and CRF coexist within a subpopulation of ntdl cholinergic neurons that project to a number of forebrain regions including the MFC. Behavioral studies of the effects of SP, CRF, and the cholinergic agonist, carbachol, employed microinjections into the MFC of rats. SP and CRF did not elicit any behavioral effects when administered alone. Carbachol (1-5 micrograms/side) produced a stereotyped motor behavior, consisting of rapid forepaw treading while in an upright posture, resembling "boxing." SP (1 micrograms/side) increased carbachol-induced "boxing." CRF (1-10 ng/side) decreased carbachol-induced "boxing." One possible functional significance of the coexistence of SP, CRF, and acetylcholinesterase, in neurons projecting to the medial frontal cortex in rats, appears to be a modulatory potentiation of cholinergic response by SP, and a modulatory inhibition of the cholinergic response by CRF.

Effect of calcitonin gene-related peptide on the neuroeffector mechanism of sympathetic nerve terminals in rat vas deferens

In order to evaluate the mode of action of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) on the neuroeffector mechanism of peripheral sympathetic nerve fibers, the effects of CGRP were tested on the electrical stimulated and the non-stimulated preparations of the isolated rat vas deferens. The contractile responses, which were mediated predominantly by activation of postganglionic noradrenergic nerve fibers, were dose-dependently inhibited by CGRP in concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 10 nM. The inhibitory response produced by CGRP in high concentrations (greater than 2 nM) usually returned to the control level at 20-30 min and were rarely tachyphylactic. The inhibitory action of CGRP was not modified by pretreatment with 10(-7) M propranolol or 10(-7) M atropine. Contractions produced by exogenous norepinephrine (NE) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in unstimulated preparations were not affected by pretreatment with CGRP in a low concentration (less than 2 nM). On the other hand, the contractions were slightly reduced 1 min after pretreatment with CGRP in high concentrations (greater than 5 nM), which recovered in 15 min after constant flow washout. High concentrations of CGRP also caused a concentration-dependent relaxation on the precontracted preparations produced by high potassium (60 mM K+) solution. These results suggest that CGRP in high concentrations (greater than 5 nM) may have a non-specific inhibitory action on the postsynaptic plasma membrane of the smooth muscle cell and a postulated CGRP receptor exists presynaptically in the rat vas deferens and that CGRP may inhibit the release of NE during adrenergic nerve stimulation.

Autoradiographic distribution of 125I calcitonin gene-related peptide binding sites in the rat central nervous system

Using autoradiographic method and 125I-Tyro rat CGRP as a ligand, receptor binding sites were demonstrated in the rat central nervous system. Saturation studies and Scatchard analysis of CGRP-binding to slide mounted tissue sections containing primarily cerebellum showed a single class of receptors with a dissociation constant of 0.96 nM and a Bmax of 76.4 fmol/mg protein. 125I-Tyro rat CGRP binding sites were demonstrated throughout the rat central nervous system. Dense binding was observed in the telencephalon (medial prefrontal, insular and outer layers of the temporal cortex, nucleus accumbens, fundus striatum, central and inferior lateral amygdaloid nuclei, most caudal caudate putamen, organum vasculosum laminae terminalis, subfornical organ), the diencephalon (anterior hypothalamic, suprachiasmatic, arcuate, paraventricular, dorsomedial, periventricular, reuniens, rhomboid, lateral thalamic pretectalis and habenula nuclei, zona incerta), in the mesencephalon (superficial layers of the superior colliculus, central nucleus of the geniculate body, inferior colliculus, nucleus of the fifth nerve, locus coeruleus, nucleus of the mesencephalic tract, the dorsal tegmental nucleus, superior olive), in the molecular layer of the cerebellum, in the medulla oblongata (inferior olive, nucleus tractus solitarii, nucleus commissuralis, nuclei of the tenth and twelfth nerves, the prepositus hypoglossal and the gracilis nuclei, dorsomedial part of the spinal trigeminal tract), in the dorsal gray matter of the spinal cord (laminae I-VI) and the confines of the central canal. Moderate receptor densities were found in the septal area, the "head" of the anterior caudate nucleus, medial amygdaloid and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, the pyramidal layers of the hippocampus and dentate gyri, medial preoptic area, ventromedial nucleus, lateral hypothalamic and ventrolateral thalamic area, central gray, reticular part of the substantia nigra, parvocellular reticular nucleus. Purkinje cell layer of the cerebellum, nucleus of the spinal trigeminal tract and gracile fasciculus of the spinal cord. The discrete distribution of CGRP-like binding sites in a variety of sensory systems of the brain and spinal cord as well as in thalamic and hypothalamic areas suggests a widespread involvement of CGRP in a variety of brain functions.

Proteins regulated by gonadal steroids in the medial preoptic and ventromedial hypothalamic nucleic of male and female rats

Protein profiles of brain areas mediating effects of steroid hormones on copulation were compared between animals in gonadal steroid states predictive of either the presence or absence of copulatory activity. A broad range of proteins present in micropunches of tissue from the medial preoptic area (MPO) and from the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) were compared between male and female rats with gonadal steroids present or absent. Half of the animals of each gender were gonadectomized 1 month prior to sacrifice. The remaining males were left intact, while the remaining females were gonadectomized, implanted with estrogen capsules, and injected with progesterone prior to sacrifice. These females were screened for sexual receptivity immediately prior to sacrifice. Proteins from the MPO and VMH of each animal were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, silver stained, and quantified by computerized optical densitometry. Several proteins differed in density between gels of high-steroid males and and females and between high-steroid and absent-steroid animals of one or both genders. Two previously reported sex differences were replicated and found to depend on activational effects of gonadal steroids. Several interesting reversal patterns were noted between MPO and VMH, including three proteins that were affected by gonadectomy in the MPO of males, but not females, and in the VMH of females, but not males, thus correlating with sexual function. These included serum albumin (a possible index of local area blood flow) and neuron-specific enolase, a glycolytic enzyme of anaerobic metabolism. A probable genetic polymorphism was discovered at a locus whose expression appears to be regulated by gonadal steroids.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Galanin-like immunoreactivity in capsaicin sensitive sensory neurons and ganglia

In rats treated with capsaicin (CAP) as neonates, galanin-like (GA) immunoreactivity is markedly decreased in the trigeminal ganglion and the dorsal root ganglia as well as in the superficial layers of the dorsal spinal cord (laminae I and II), the substantia gelatinosa, the nucleus and tractus of the spinal trigeminal nerve and the nucleus commissuralis. Since CAP causes selective degeneration of primary sensory neurons of the C-fiber type and type B-cells of sensory ganglia, it is concluded that GA in CAP-sensitive primary sensory neurons represents a novel peptidergic system possibly involved in the transformation or modulation of peripheral nociceptive impulses. This system differs from the CAP-resistant GA-like neurons in other brain areas.

Effect of reduction of cholinergic input on the concentration of specific proteins in different cortical regions of the rat brain

The effect of lesioning the nucleus of the tractus diagonalis on the concentration of specific proteins in the hippocampus and the occipital cortex was assessed. Rats received either a sham or an electrolytic lesion and were killed 9 or 35 days later. Tissue samples were removed by microdissection and proteins were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Gels were stained with silver, and then analyzed by quantitative computerized scanning densitometry. Of the 143 proteins analyzed, only four were found to be altered in concentration in both brain areas as a result of the lesion. Protein 82 (molecular weight 39,000, pI 6.5) was reduced 71% in the hippocampus and 50% in the occipital cortex 9 days after the lesion, while protein 109 (molecular weight 32,000, pI 6.4) was elevated 140% in the hippocampus and 130% in the occipital cortex at the same time point. Protein 6 (molecular weight 58,000, pI 5.7) was unchanged 9 days after the lesion but was elevated in concentration in both the hippocampus and the occipital cortex 35 days after lesioning. Protein 74 (molecular weight 39,000, pI 5.8) was elevated in concentration both 9 and 35 days after lesioning in the occipital cortex, but only at day 35 in the hippocampus. These results demonstrate that the concentration of these four proteins may be regulated by the cholinergic input to the hippocampus and the occipital cortex. The possibility exists that one or more of these proteins may be related to either the muscarinic or nicotinic cholinergic receptor in rat brain.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide coexists with substance P in capsaicin sensitive neurons and sensory ganglia of the rat

Immunohistochemical and radioimmunoassay studies revealed that both CGRP- and SP-like immunoreactivity in the caudal spinal trigeminal nucleus and tract, the substantia gelatinosa and the dorsal cervical spinal cord as well as in cell bodies of the trigeminal ganglion and the spinal dorsal root ganglion is markedly depleted by capsaicin which is known to cause degeneration of a certain number of primary sensory neurons. Higher brain areas and the ventral spinal cord were not affected by capsaicin treatment. Furthermore CGRP and substance P-like immunoreactivity were shown to be colocalized in the above areas and to coexist in cell bodies of the trigeminal ganglion and the spinal dorsal root ganglia. It is suggested that CGRP, like substance P, may have a neuromodulatory role on nociception and peripheral cardiovascular reflexes.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide: detailed immunohistochemical distribution in the central nervous system

With the use of an antiserum generated in rabbits against synthetic human calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) the distribution of CGRP-like immunoreactive cell bodies and nerve fibers was studied in the rat central nervous system. A detailed stereotaxic atlas of CGRP-like neurons was prepared. CGRP-like immunoreactivity was widely distributed in the rat central nervous system. CGRP positive cell bodies were observed in the preoptic area and hypothalamus (medial preoptic, periventricular, anterior hypothalamic nuclei, perifornical area, medial forebrain bundle), premamillary nucleus, amygdala medialis, hippocampus and dentate gyrus, central gray and the ventromedial nucleus of the thalamus. In the midbrain a large cluster of cells was contained in the peripeduncular area ventral to the medial geniculate body. In the hindbrain cholinergic motor nuclei (III, IV, V, VI, VII XII) contained CGRP-immunoreactivity. Cell bodies were also observed in the ventral tegmental nucleus, the parabrachial nuclei, superior olive and nucleus ambiguus. The ventral horn cells of the spinal cord, the trigeminal and dorsal root ganglia also contained CGRP-immunoreactivity. Dense accumulations of fibers were observed in the amydala centralis, caudal portion of the caudate putamen, sensory trigeminal area, substantia gelatinosa, dorsal horn of the spinal cord (laminae I and II). Other areas containing CGRP-immunoreactive fibers are the septal area, nucleus of the stria terminalis, preoptic and hypothalamic nuclei (e.g., medial preoptic, periventricular, dorsomedial, median eminence), medial forebrain bundle, central gray, medial geniculate body, peripeduncular area, interpeduncular nucleus, cochlear nucleus, parabrachial nuclei, superior olive, nucleus tractus solitarii, and in the confines of clusters of cell bodies. Some fibers were also noted in the anterior and posterior pituitary and the sensory ganglia. As with other newly described brain neuropeptides it can only be conjectured that CGRP has a neuroregulatory action on a variety of functions throughout the brain and spinal cord.

Effect of chronic reserpine and desmethylimipramine treatment on CRF-like immunoreactivity of discrete brain areas of rat

The corticotropin releasing factor-like immunoreactivity (CRF-LI) of discrete areas of rat brain were measured following reserpine (2 mg/kg i.p. for 3 days) or chronic desmethylimipramine (DMI) (20 mg/kg i.p. for 14 days) treatment. Reserpine caused a 40% and 36% reduction in the (CRF-LI) of the median eminence (ME) and posterior pituitary respectively, while DMI caused a 61% rise in CRF-LI of the posterior pituitary only. The results support the role of monoaminergic regulation of CRF release from the ME and further suggest an interaction between monoaminergic and CRF neurons in the posterior pituitary.